Not sure what's expected in an onsen, ryokan, shrine, train, or izakaya? Pick a situation below for an instant cheat-sheet covering tipping, shoes/slippers, dress code, escalator side (Seoul vs. Jeju Island), and common first-timer mistakes. Pair this with our full South Korea Etiquette & Manners Guide.
Three golden rules in South Korea
- No tipping anywhere: restaurants, taxis, hotels, bars, hairdressers, and tour guides do not use tipping. Leaving cash on a table usually causes a staff member to chase you down the street to return your "forgotten" money.
- Watch where shoes come off: a raised entryway step (genkan) or tatami straw matting means shoes off immediately. Bathroom slippers stay strictly inside the restroom—never wear them back onto tatami!
- Quiet shared spaces: trains, buses, elevators, and museum galleries are quiet zones. Keep phones on silent (manner mode) and hold voice calls until you're off the train.